March 2003

Kansas
Drug Threat Assessment

National Drug Intelligence Center

319 WASHINGTON STREET • 5TH FLOOR • JOHNSTOWN, PA 15901-1622 • (814) 532-4601 U.S. Department of Justice
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U.S. Department of Justice
National Drug Intelligence Center

Product No. 2003-S0389KS-001

March 2003

Kansas
Drug Threat Assessment

National Drug Intelligence Center

319 Washington Street, 5th Floor
Johnstown, PA 15901-1622
(814) 532-4601
 Preface
This report is a strategic assessment that addresses the status and outlook of the drug threat to Kansas.
Analytical judgment determined the threat posed by each drug type or category, taking into account the
most current quantitative and qualitative information on availability, demand, production or cultivation,
transportation, and distribution, as well as the effects of a particular drug on abusers and society as a
whole. While NDIC sought to incorporate the latest available information, a time lag often exists between
collection and publication of data, particularly demand-related data sets. NDIC anticipates that this drug
threat assessment will be useful to policymakers, law enforcement personnel, and treatment providers at
the federal, state, and local levels because it draws upon a broad range of information sources to describe
and analyze the drug threat to Kansas.

Cover Photo © Stockbyte

 National Drug Intelligence Center

Kansas Drug Threat Assessment

Executive Summary
The production, distribution, and abuse of illicit drugs pose a serious threat to Kansas.
Dodge City, Garden City, Liberal, Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita are drug distribution
centers in the state and also serve as transit areas for drugs being transported to other
states. Mexican criminal groups are the dominant transporters and distributors of illicit
drugs in Kansas. Local independent dealers, street gangs, and outlaw motorcycle gangs
also distribute drugs in the state.
Methamphetamine is a principal drug threat to Kansas, primarily because of the
drug’s ready availability as well as the violence and environmental harm that often result
from its production and abuse. Methamphetamine produced by Mexican criminal groups
in Mexico, California, and southwestern states is the predominant type available in
Kansas, although the availability of locally produced methamphetamine is increasing.
The number of methamphetamine laboratories seized in Kansas more than quadrupled
from 1998 through 2001, and many law enforcement agencies report that they are wit-
nessing an adverse environmental impact from the presence of methamphetamine labo-
ratories. Caucasian local independent producers, who generally use the Birch reduction
method, are the primary in-state methamphetamine producers. Mexican criminal groups
transport methamphetamine from Mexico, California, and southwestern states to distri-
bution centers in Kansas in private and commercial vehicles. These groups also are the
primary wholesale methamphetamine distributors throughout the state. Mexican criminal
groups and Caucasian local independent dealers and, to a lesser extent, street gangs and
outlaw motorcycle gangs distribute methamphetamine at the retail level. Retail distribu-
tion of methamphetamine typically occurs at residences, used car dealerships, parking
lots, or in bars and restaurants.
Cocaine, particularly crack, poses a significant drug threat to Kansas largely because
of crack’s highly addictive nature and association with violent crime. Crack cocaine is
available primarily in metropolitan areas, and powdered cocaine is available throughout
the state. Mexican criminal groups transport powdered cocaine into Kansas from Mex-
ico through California and southwestern states primarily in private and commercial vehi-
cles. These groups also dominate wholesale cocaine distribution throughout the state.
Mexican criminal groups, local independent dealers, and street gangs distribute pow-
dered cocaine at the retail level. Retail distributors in Kansas typically convert powdered

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Kansas Drug Threat Assessment

cocaine into crack on an as-needed basis at or near distribution sites. However, some
African American street gangs transport crack cocaine into Kansas from metropolitan
areas in surrounding states. African American street gangs and local independent dealers
distribute crack cocaine at the retail level. Retail distribution of cocaine commonly is
facilitated by pagers, pay phones, and cellular telephones. Retail quantities are distrib-
uted on street corners, at bars, or from residences. Crack cocaine distributors and abusers
in Kansas commit a wide range of violent crimes, including assault, carjacking, and
drive-by shooting.
Marijuana is the most widely available and frequently abused illicit drug in Kansas.
Marijuana abuse is associated with more drug-related admissions to publicly funded
treatment facilities than any other illicit drug. Most of the marijuana available in the
state is produced in Mexico, although some cannabis is cultivated locally. Mexican
criminal groups transport marijuana into and through Kansas in private and commercial
vehicles. A significant portion of the Mexico-produced marijuana seized in Kansas is
destined for other states. Mexican criminal groups and, to a lesser extent, Caucasian
local independent dealers are the primary wholesale marijuana distributors in Kansas.
Mexican criminal groups, local independent dealers, street gangs, and outlaw motor-
cycle gangs also distribute marijuana at the retail level.
Other dangerous drugs pose an increasing threat to Kansas. Other dangerous drugs
include the stimulant MDMA; the depressant GHB and its analogs; the hallucinogens
LSD, PCP, psilocybin, and ketamine; and diverted pharmaceuticals including opioids
(narcotic analgesics) such as codeine, Darvocet, Dilaudid, hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin),
methadone, oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan), and sedative hypnotics
(benzodiazepines) such as Valium and Xanax. Other dangerous drugs are becoming
increasingly available in some areas of the state, especially in cities with colleges or
universities. Other dangerous drugs are sold primarily by Caucasian local independent
dealers and are abused by young adults.
Heroin poses a low threat to Kansas. Mexican black tar heroin and brown powdered
heroin are available on a limited basis in metropolitan areas of the state such as Kansas
City and Wichita. Mexican criminal groups are the primary transporters of heroin to
drug markets in Kansas. Mexican criminal groups, local independent dealers, and street
gangs distribute heroin at the retail level.

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 National Drug Intelligence Center

Table of Contents

Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Methamphetamine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Availability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Cocaine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Availability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Marijuana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Availability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Other Dangerous Drugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
MDMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
GHB and Analogs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Hallucinogens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Diverted Pharmaceuticals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Heroin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Availability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Outlook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

v
 Kansas Drug Threat Assessment

NEBRASKA

Iowa
Sac and Fox Reservation
36 Reservation
36
Kickapoo
Prairie Band Reservation
Colby 77
83 of Potawatomi
Reservation Leavenworth Kansas City
70
Manhattan Wamego Kansas City
Edwardsville
Junction City
Russell Topeka Leawood
Fort Hays 70 Abilene 77 Lawrence Overland Park
Salina
Hays 56 Olathe
Lenexa
e
83 135 ik Paola
Great Bend
56 r np Emporia
77 Tu
COLORADO Lyons as
56 a ns
Garden City Newton K Fort Scott
Hutchinson
Cimarron Kinsley MISSOURI
54
Kingman Wichita
Dodge City Chanute
54
160 Pratt Wichita
Bucklin Mid-Continent Pittsburg
56 Airport 35 77
160
160
54 Independence Coffeyville
Liberal

OKLAHOMA

Kansas.

Note: This map displays features mentioned in the report.

vi
 National Drug Intelligence Center
March 2003

Kansas
Drug Threat Assessment
Overview
Kansas ranks thirty-second in population
with nearly 2.7 million residents. Approximately Fast Facts
46 percent of the population is concentrated in
Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyandotte Kansas
Counties. The population of Kansas is 86.1 per- Population (2001) 2,694,641
cent Caucasian, 5.7 percent African American,
1.7 percent Asian, and 0.9 percent American U.S. population 32nd
ranking
Indian/Alaska Native. Seven percent of the
population identify themselves as Hispanic or Median household $41,415
of Latino origin. income (2001)

The Hispanic population in Kansas has Unemployment 4.3%

increased significantly since 1990. According to rate (2001)
the U.S. Census Bureau, the Hispanic (primarily Land area 81,815 square miles
Mexican) population in Kansas increased from
3.6 percent to 7.0 percent from 1990 to 2000. Capital Topeka
Legal and illegal Mexican immigrants seek Other principal cities Kansas City, Olathe,
employment in an increasing number of labor- Overland Park, Wichita
intensive industries and sometimes are recruited Number of counties 105
by Mexican criminal groups to transport illicit
drugs into Kansas for distribution. Principal Agriculture,
industries aircraft manufacturing,
Kansas has a well-developed transportation meatpacking
infrastructure, and its location in the geographic
center of the United States makes it a common
transshipment point for licit and illicit goods. passenger trains also are used by traffickers to
Drug transporters primarily use private and transport illicit drugs, but to a lesser extent.
commercial vehicles to transport drugs into and Kansas highways facilitate illicit drug trans-
throughout the state. Private aircraft as well as portation and distribution. Interstates 70 and 35
couriers on commercial aircraft, buses, and are two of the most active overland routes for

1
Kansas Drug Threat Assessment
drug transportation in the United States. Most
highway drug interdictions in Kansas reported to
Operation Pipeline in 2000 occurred on I-70,
which traverses central Kansas from east to west.
Interstate 35 is a north-south route through east-
ern Kansas and extends from the U.S.–Mexico
border to Duluth, Minnesota. The 238-mile Kan-
sas Turnpike (I-35/335/70) connects three of the
largest cities in the state—Kansas City, Topeka,
and Wichita. Other highways used to transport
drugs into and throughout Kansas include I-135
and U.S. Highways 36, 54, 56, 77, 83, and 160.
Operation Pipeline
Operation Pipeline is a national highway inter-
diction program supported by the Drug
Enforcement Administration (DEA) El Paso
Intelligence Center (EPIC). Drug seizures from
private vehicles are reported to Operation
Pipeline by federal, state, and local law
enforcement agencies operating nationwide
along the highways and interstates most fre-
quently used to transport illegal drugs and
drug proceeds.
The volume of air passengers and cargo pass-
ing through Kansas provides drug traffickers with
an additional means of transporting illicit drugs.
There are two major airports that serve Kansas—
the Kansas City International Airport, located in
Missouri, and the Wichita Mid-Continent Airport.
There are also over 140 local airports and landing
strips in Kansas, affording drug traffickers the
opportunity to transport drugs via private aircraft.
Marijuana Seized From Private Aircraft
In July 2001 a private airplane suspected of
transporting drugs was forced to land in Lib-
eral. The flight originated in Compton, Califor-
nia, and was destined for Greenwood, Indiana.
Law enforcement authorities seized more than
160 pounds of marijuana from the plane.
Source: Liberal Police Department; Lawrence Journal-
World, 11 July 2001; Associated Press, 10 July 2001.
Drugs also are transported into and through
Kansas by couriers aboard passenger trains.
There are over 5,500 miles of operational railroad
2
in the state. In November 2001 law enforcement
officials seized nearly 3 liters of liquid ketamine
on a passenger train in Dodge City. The ketamine
was destined for Chicago and was concealed in a
dietary supplement bottle in passenger luggage.
Mexican criminal groups are the primary
transporters of illicit drugs into Kansas. These
criminal groups obtain wholesale quantities of
methamphetamine, powdered cocaine, and mari-
juana and retail quantities of heroin in Mexico,
California, and southwestern states. Mexican
criminal groups and Hispanic street gangs some-
times recruit Mexican immigrants to transport
illicit drugs into Kansas. Some African Ameri-
can street gangs transport crack cocaine into
Kansas from metropolitan areas in surrounding
states; however, most crack available in the state
is converted at or near distribution locations
within Kansas.
Mexican criminal groups dominate the whole-
sale distribution of methamphetamine, powdered
cocaine, and marijuana in Kansas. The Kansas
Bureau of Investigation (KBI) estimates that there
are 10 to 20 Mexican criminal groups operating
in Dodge City, Emporia, Garden City, Kansas
City, Liberal, Pratt, and Wichita. These drug
distribution groups each have 2 to 100 members.
Drugs are distributed at the retail level in
Kansas by Mexican criminal groups, local
independent dealers, street gangs, and outlaw
motorcycle gangs (OMGs). Mexican criminal
groups dominate the retail distribution of meth-
amphetamine produced in Mexico, California,
and southwestern states as well as powdered
cocaine, Mexico-produced marijuana, and heroin.
Caucasian local independent dealers distribute
much of the methamphetamine and marijuana
that is produced in the state. Street gangs also
distribute methamphetamine, powdered and
crack cocaine, marijuana, MDMA, and heroin
at the retail level. OMGs distribute some meth-
amphetamine and marijuana at the retail level.
The most active OMGs in Kansas include
El Forastero, Galloping Goose, Hells Angels,
and Sons of Silence.

Hispanic street gangs reportedly have recruited
Native Americans to transport illicit drugs into
Kansas and to distribute drugs on reservations.
There are several Indian reservations in Kansas.
The Kickapoo and the Prairie Band of Potawatomi
are located north of Topeka, in the eastern portion
of the state. Two others, Sac and Fox Indian
Reservation and Iowa Indian Reservation, straddle
the border between Kansas and southeastern
Nebraska. According to Tribal Police, Sureños
street gang members from Topeka recruit Native
American women to distribute illicit drugs on the
Potawatomi Indian Reservation.
Drug-related treatment admissions to publicly
funded facilities increased in Kansas from 1997
through 2001. According to the Treatment Episode
Data Set (TEDS), the number of admissions for
most major drug categories—including metham-
phetamine, cocaine, and marijuana—increased
overall during that period.
The percentage of Kansas residents who
report abusing illicit drugs is lower than the per-
centage nationwide. According to the 1999–2000
National Household Survey on Drug Abuse
(NHSDA), 5.1 percent of individuals in Kansas
reported having abused an illicit drug in the month
prior to the survey compared with 6.3 percent of
individuals nationwide.
Table 1. Drug-Related Treatment Admissions to Publicly Funded Facilities, Kansas, 1997–2001
Year Methamphetamine Cocaine
1997 997 2,189
1998 996 2,468
1999 800 2,432
2000 922 2,383
2001 1,160 2,279
Source: TEDS.
National Drug Intelligence Center
In fiscal year (FY) 2001 the percentage of fed-
eral sentences that were drug-related in Kansas
was higher than the national percentage, and the
percentage of federal sentences that were metham-
phetamine-related was significantly higher than
the percentage nationwide. According to the U.S.
Sentencing Commission (USSC), drug-related
sentences represented 47 percent of all federal
sentences in the state in FY2001 compared with
41 percent nationally. Almost 35 percent of all
drug-related federal sentences in Kansas were
methamphetamine-related compared with 14 per-
cent nationally. (See Table 2 on page 5.)
Violent crime associated with drug-related
activity is a particular concern in Kansas. Criminal
groups and street gangs commit violent crimes in
connection with drug debts and territorial disputes.
Many methamphetamine and cocaine abusers
commit violent crimes and property crimes to
support their drug addictions.
The financial impact on the Kansas govern-
ment from substance abuse-related costs is sig-
nificant. The National Center on Addiction and
Substance Abuse at Columbia University
reported that in 1998 (the most recent year for
which data are available) Kansas spent in excess
of $584 million—approximately $223 per
resident—on substance abuse-related costs. This
figure accounted for 9.4 percent of the state’s
total expenditures.
Marijuana Heroin
2,569 79
2,993 70
2,757 65
3,110 78
3,477 75
3
Kansas Drug Threat Assessment
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is a principal drug threat
to Kansas, primarily because of the drug’s ready
availability as well as the violence and environ-
mental harm that often result from its production
and abuse. Methamphetamine produced by
Mexican criminal groups in Mexico, California,
and southwestern states is the predominant type
available in Kansas, although the availability of
locally produced methamphetamine is increasing.
The number of methamphetamine laboratories
seized in Kansas more than quadrupled from 1998
through 2001, and many law enforcement agen-
cies report that they are witnessing an adverse
environmental impact from the presence of
methamphetamine laboratories. Caucasian local
Abuse
Law enforcement officials in Kansas report
that methamphetamine abuse is a significant
problem throughout the state. According to the
National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC)
National Drug Threat Survey 2002, of the 39
Kansas law enforcement respondents who reported
methamphetamine abuse in their jurisdictions, 33
indicated that abuse was high, 5 indicated that
abuse was moderate, and 1 indicated that abuse
was low.
Methamphetamine-related treatment admis-
sions to publicly funded facilities in Kansas
increased from 997 in 1997 to 1,160 in 2001,
according to TEDS. (See Table 1 on page 3.)
Data from the Kansas Department of Social and
Rehabilitation Services indicate that there were
989 methamphetamine-related treatment admis-
sions in state fiscal year (SFY) 2001—July 1
through June 30. (Disparities between state and
federal reporting of admissions to substance
abuse treatment programs are likely to occur
because of differences in data collection and
reporting methodologies.)
4
independent producers, who generally use the
Birch reduction method, are the primary in-state
methamphetamine producers. Mexican criminal
groups transport methamphetamine from Mexico,
California, and southwestern states to distribution
centers in Kansas in private and commercial
vehicles. These groups also are the primary
wholesale methamphetamine distributors
throughout the state. Mexican criminal groups
and Caucasian local independent dealers and, to
a lesser extent, street gangs and OMGs distrib-
ute methamphetamine at the retail level. Retail
distribution of methamphetamine typically
occurs at residences, used car dealerships,
parking lots, or in bars and restaurants.
NDIC National Drug Threat Survey 2002
The National Drug Threat Survey (NDTS)
2002 was administered by NDIC to a repre-
sentative sample of state and local law
enforcement agencies throughout the United
States to assess the availability, abuse, and
overall threat posed by all major drugs. NDIC
received 2,906 survey responses from law
enforcement agencies, an overall response
rate of 80 percent. Survey respondents were
asked to rank the greatest drug threats in their
areas and to indicate the level of availability for
each major drug type. They also were asked
to provide information on specific groups
involved in the transportation and distribution
of illicit drugs. Responding agencies also pro-
vided narrative assessments of various
aspects of the overall drug situation and the
threat posed by specific drugs in their areas.
Survey responses are used by NDIC to sub-
stantiate and augment drug threat information
obtained from other federal, state, and local
law enforcement agencies.
 National Drug Intelligence Center

Availability

Methamphetamine is readily available

throughout Kansas. Of the 38 Kansas respondents
to the NDTS 2002 who reported methamphet-
amine availability in their jurisdictions, 34 indicated
that availability was high and 4 indicated that
availability was moderate. Methamphetamine
produced in Mexico, California, and southwestern
states is the predominant type available in Kansas;
however, the availability of locally produced
methamphetamine is increasing significantly. In
addition, during the first quarter of 2002, law
enforcement officials in Kansas City and Topeka
indicated that high purity crystal methamphet-
amine, known as ice, became available in whole-
sale and retail quantities in their jurisdictions.
Despite the increasing availability of metham-
phetamine, seizures have declined in Kansas.
According to the Federal-wide Drug Seizure
Crystal Methamphetamine
Crystal methamphetamine is a colorless,
odorless form of smokable d-methamphet-
amine resembling glass fragments or ice shav-
ings. In most areas of the United States where
crystal methamphetamine is available, its pro-
duction (a process of crystallizing metham-
phetamine) and distribution normally are
associated with Asian traffickers.
System (FDSS), federal law enforcement officials
in Kansas seized 32.0 kilograms of methamphet-
amine in 1998, 43.0 kilograms in 1999, 27.4 kilo-
grams in 2000, and 17.5 kilograms in 2001. Law
enforcement officials reporting to Operation
Pipeline seized almost 47 kilograms of metham-
phetamine on Kansas highways in FY1999 and
slightly over 24 kilograms in FY2000. State and

Table 2. Percentage of Drug-Related Federal Sentences and Percentage by Drug Type

Kansas and United States, FY1997–FY2001

All Powdered Crack

Methamphetamine Marijuana Heroin
Drugs* Cocaine Cocaine
Kansas

FY1997 31.6 10.9 28.5 27.4 27.4 2.1

FY1998 40.0 29.9 19.1 28.1 16.7 1.1

FY1999 38.3 39.0 10.5 35.0 13.9 0.6

FY2000 45.9 29.4 13.9 28.9 24.6 0.5

FY2001 46.8 34.7 17.1 20.8 21.3 4.6

United States

FY1997 38.7 10.2 25.2 24.4 27.5 9.7

FY1998 40.2 11.4 23.4 23.9 30.0 8.9

FY1999 41.0 12.8 22.1 22.9 31.5 8.0

FY2000 39.8 14.5 22.8 21.4 31.2 7.7

FY2001 41.2 14.2 22.1 20.4 32.8 7.2

Source: USSC.
* Represents the percentage of federal sentences that are drug-related.

5
Kansas Drug Threat Assessment
local seizures of methamphetamine also are sig-
nificant. The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP)
seized more than 21 kilograms of methamphet-
amine in 2000 and nearly 13 kilograms in 2001.
Also in 2001 the Topeka Police Department
seized 3.6 kilograms of methamphetamine, the
Kansas City Police Department seized nearly 2.0
kilograms, and the Overland Park Police Depart-
ment seized more than 2.0 kilograms.
The percentage of drug-related federal sen-
tences that were methamphetamine-related in
Kansas in FY2001 was more than twice the
national percentage. According to USSC FY2001
data, 35 percent of drug-related federal sentences
in Kansas resulted from methamphetamine viola-
tions compared with 14 percent nationwide. (See
Table 2 on page 5.) There were 10 federal sen-
tences for methamphetamine-related offenses in
Kansas in FY1997, 50 in FY1998, 59 in FY1999,
55 in FY2000, and 75 in FY2001. In addition,
from October 1998 to May 2001, 8 of the 17
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force
(OCDETF) investigations initiated in Kansas
were methamphetamine-related.
Prices for methamphetamine in Kansas have
remained relatively stable, while purity levels have
fluctuated depending on the type of methamphet-
amine distributed and location. The Kansas City
Police Department reports that methamphetamine
produced by Mexican criminal groups sells for
$2,500 per one-half pound, $1,000 per ounce, and
$175 per one-eighth ounce. Locally produced
methamphetamine in Kansas City sells for $8,000
to $12,000 per one-half pound and $2,000 to
Violence
The potential for violence associated with
methamphetamine abuse is a concern within the
state. Individuals addicted to methamphetamine
are unpredictable, experience feelings of fright
and confusion, and will commit violent crimes to
obtain the drug. Methamphetamine abusers often
are paranoid and delusional and frequently arm
themselves against perceived threats.
6
$2,500 per ounce. The price of crystal metham-
phetamine in Kansas City is $18,000 per pound,
$1,400 to $2,400 per ounce, and $800 per one-
quarter ounce. The Wichita Police Department
reports that in its jurisdiction methamphetamine
produced by Mexican criminal groups sells for
$5,000 to $8,000 per pound, $700 to $800 per
ounce, and $100 to $120 per one-eighth ounce.
The Topeka Police Department reports that in its
jurisdiction methamphetamine produced by Mexi-
can criminal groups sells for $5,000 per pound.
According to the DEA Kansas City District
Office, in its area of responsibility the purity of
methamphetamine produced by Mexican criminal
groups ranged from 20 to 30 percent in 2001, and
the purity of locally produced methamphetamine
averaged 80 percent. The purity of crystal meth-
amphetamine in Kansas City during the first quar-
ter of 2002 was 99 percent. According to DEA,
the average purity of methamphetamine seized in
Kansas (26.6%) was lower than the average purity
nationwide (38.0%) in 2001.
MSM
Methamphetamine produced by Mexican
criminal groups in Mexico, California, and
southwestern states often is diluted with
MSM—a nutritional supplement for horses
and humans—to increase the quantity avail-
able for retail distribution and to improve the
appearance of the product by whitening it.
MSM (also known as dimethylsulfone or
DMSO2) is available in bulk quantities from
veterinary supply stores, feed stores, equine
supply catalogs, and on the Internet.
Violence associated with methamphetamine
distribution also is a concern in Kansas. Metham-
phetamine distributors sometimes commit violent
crimes to defend or expand their distribution
territory and collect drug debts. Numerous street
gangs distribute methamphetamine and commit
violent crimes such as assault and home invasion.
Kansas law enforcement respondents to the NDIC

National Gang Survey 2000 reported that the fol-
lowing gangs distribute methamphetamine and
commit violent crimes in their jurisdictions:
Aryan Brotherhood and Latin Kings in Leaven-
worth; Florencia 13 and South Dale Bloods in
Kansas City; Gangster Disciples in Overland
Methamphetamine Assault
In March 2001 a 4-year-old boy told Newton law
enforcement authorities that his mother was
assaulted by his father because she had bro-
ken a methamphetamine needle in her arm,
and the father consequently was not able to
use the needle to administer methamphet-
amine to himself.
Source: Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation
Services.
Production
Mexican criminal groups using the hydriodic
acid/red phosphorus reduction method in high
volume laboratories in Mexico, California, and
southwestern states produce most of the metham-
phetamine available in Kansas. Local independent
producers, primarily Caucasians, also produce the
drug in Kansas. They generally use the Birch
reduction method to produce gram to ounce
quantities of methamphetamine for personal use
and for distribution to friends. Mexican criminal
groups have recruited some Caucasian local inde-
pendent producers in Wichita to produce meth-
amphetamine. These Mexican criminal groups
combine the locally produced methamphetamine
with lower quality methamphetamine (produced
in Mexico, California, and southwestern states) in
order to increase the purity of their product.
The number of methamphetamine laboratories
seized in Kansas increased each year from 1998
through 2001. According to DEA and KBI statis-
tics, there were 189 laboratories, chemicals/glass-
ware, and dumpsites seized in Kansas in 1998,
511 in 1999, 702 in 2000, and 846 in 2001.
According to EPIC, Kansas ranked fourth in the
nation for the total number of methamphetamine
National Drug Intelligence Center
Park; and Crips, East Side Vatos Locos, Four
Corner Hustlers, Gangster Disciples, and
Sureños 13 in Topeka.
Tweaking
As the euphoric effects of methamphetamine
diminish, abusers enter the tweaking stage in
which they are prone to violence, delusions,
paranoia, and feelings of emptiness and dys-
phoria. During the tweaking stage, the user
often has not slept in days and, consequently,
is extremely irritable. The tweaker also craves
more methamphetamine, which results in frus-
tration and contributes to anxiety and restless-
ness. In this stage the individual may become
violent without provocation. Case histories
have revealed that some tweakers are antago-
nized by the mere sight of a police uniform.
Chart 1. Number of Methamphetamine
Laboratories, Chemicals/Glassware, and
Dumpsites Seized, Kansas, 1998–2001
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
1998 1999 2000 2001
Source: DEA; KBI.
laboratories, chemicals/glassware, and dumpsites
seized in 2001. In 2001 the counties in which the
largest number of seizures occurred were
Shawnee (90), Cowley (67), Saline (62), Reno
(55), and Sedgwick (48). Most laboratories are
relatively small, rudimentary, and portable, mak-
ing detection a challenge for law enforcement
7
Kansas Drug Threat Assessment

Methamphetamine Production Methods

Ephedrine/Pseudoephedrine Reduction:
Hydriodic acid/red phosphorus. The principal chemicals are ephedrine or pseudoephedrine,
hydriodic acid, and red phosphorus. This method can yield multipound quantities of high quality
d-methamphetamine and often is associated with Mexican drug trafficking organizations.
Iodine/red phosphorus. The principal chemicals are ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, iodine, and
red phosphorus. The required hydriodic acid in this variation of the hydriodic acid/red phosphorus
method is produced by the reaction of iodine in water with red phosphorus. This method yields high
quality d-methamphetamine. Another iodine/red phosphorus method, limited to small production
batches, is called the cold cook method because the chemicals, instead of being heated, are placed
in a hot environment such as in direct sunlight.
Iodine/hypophosphorous acid. The principal chemicals are ephedrine or pseudoephedrine,
iodine, and hypophosphorous acid. The required hydriodic acid in this variation of the hydriodic
acid/red phosphorus method is produced by the reaction of iodine in water with hypophosphorous
acid. Known as the Hypo method, this method yields lower quality d-methamphetamine.
Hypophosphorous acid is more prone than red phosphorus to cause a fire and can produce deadly
phosphine gas.
Birch. The principal chemicals are ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, anhydrous ammonia, and sodium
or lithium metal. Also known as the Nazi method, this method typically yields ounce quantities of
high quality d-methamphetamine and often is used by independent dealers and producers.
Phenyl-2-propanone:
P2P. The principal chemicals are phenyl-2-propanone, aluminum, methylamine, and mercuric acid.
This method yields lower quality dl-methamphetamine and traditionally was associated with outlaw
motorcycle gangs.

authorities. The portability of these laboratories
enables producers to assemble them in abandoned
farmhouses, automobiles, campers, hotel rooms,
recreational vehicles, and warehouses.
The chemicals used in methamphetamine
production are readily available in Kansas.
Anhydrous ammonia often is stolen from farms
and farm supply stores. Iodine typically is
acquired at local feed stores. Lithium often is
extracted from camera batteries available at most
retail stores. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine
often are extracted from diet pills and many over-
the-counter cold medicines using coffee filters,
coffeepots, tabletop grills, and microwave ovens.
Law enforcement initiatives, partnerships
between law enforcement authorities and retail
merchants, as well as increased regulatory con-
trols, have decreased the availability of some of
the chemicals used to produce methamphetamine.
Topeka and other cities have a Methamphetamine
Watch Program to identify individuals involved in
methamphetamine production. Under the
program—a collective effort involving KBI, the
Kansas Department of Health and Environment,
and major retail stores—retailers report multiple
purchases of chemicals that are commonly used
in the methamphetamine production process. In
addition, authorities throughout Kansas have
requested that retailers limit the sale of common
household items such as cold medicines that con-
tain ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which may
be used to produce methamphetamine. Further-
more, stricter federal and state controls on bulk
purchases of ephedrine have impacted metham-
phetamine production and forced methamphet-
amine producers to use pseudoephedrine, which is
costlier and less efficient.
The Birch reduction method is common in
Kansas as in other agricultural states because of
the widespread availability of anhydrous ammonia,
which is used legitimately as a fertilizer. During

8

2001 more than 83 percent (706) of the 846 meth-
amphetamine laboratories, dumpsites, and chemi-
cals/glass/equipment sites seized in Kansas
employed the Birch reduction method. Theft of
anhydrous ammonia from storage tanks on farms
and at farm supply outlets is common. Law
enforcement officials in Manhattan and the Kansas
City area reported that methamphetamine producers
have stored diverted anhydrous ammonia in fire
extinguishers, and law enforcement officials in
Colby reported anhydrous ammonia being stored
in propane tanks and thermos bottles. Anhydrous
ammonia also reportedly has been stored inside
steel containers normally used to hold syrup for
carbonated beverages. In 1999 in an effort to curb
the theft of anhydrous ammonia, the Kansas
legislature enacted a law making anhydrous
ammonia theft a felony.
The iodine/red phosphorus method was the
primary method used to produce methamphet-
amine in Kansas until 1998 but has been used less
frequently in recent years. In 2001, 115 of the 846
laboratories, chemicals/glassware, and dumpsites
seized in Kansas used the iodine/red phosphorus
method. These laboratories were seized in various
locations including Kansas City, Lawrence, Pitts-
burg, and Wichita as well as Jackson County.
According to the Kansas City Metro Meth Task
Force, producers using the iodine/red phosphorus
method sometimes use one location for the
pseudoephedrine extraction process, a second
location for the iodine and red phosphorus step,
and another to produce the finished product. Law
enforcement authorities in other parts of Kansas
also report decentralized methamphetamine pro-
duction operations of this type.
Transportation
Mexican criminal groups are the primary
transporters of most of the methamphetamine
available in Kansas. These groups transport the
drug from Mexico, California, and southwestern
states in commercial vehicles and in hidden com-
partments in the consoles, dashboards, or spare
National Drug Intelligence Center
Methamphetamine production poses serious
safety and environmental concerns. The production
process creates toxic and hazardous waste that
endangers law enforcement personnel, emergency
response teams, children (particularly those in the
homes of methamphetamine producers), and the
environment. The chemicals used in the production
process are toxic, highly flammable, and generate
poisonous vapors. Production of 1 pound of
methamphetamine yields approximately 5 to 7
pounds of toxic waste, and methamphetamine
laboratory operators often dump waste chemicals
in areas accessible to the public. These chemicals
contaminate soil, streams and rivers, and public
sewer systems. Dumpsites are discovered fre-
quently in Kansas. For example, in 2001 law
enforcement authorities in Cowley and Saline
Counties identified 46 dumpsites and 31 dump-
sites, respectively. Remediation of laboratory
sites costs federal, state, and local governments
millions of dollars every year. The average cost of
cleaning one site is $5,000; however, costs can
exceed $100,000.
Methamphetamine
Laboratory Explosion Kills Man
In August 2000 two individuals in Lyons pro-
duced methamphetamine and then buried the
laboratory under the dirt floor of a farm shed.
The laboratory exploded, killing one of the
men. The other individual allegedly removed
the body and dumped it in a remote cow pas-
ture in Reno County.
Source: Rice County Sheriff’s Office.
tire storage areas of private vehicles. Passenger
trains and package delivery services also are
used, but to a lesser extent. Mexican criminal
groups sometimes recruit Mexican immigrants to
transport methamphetamine into Kansas. Typically,
methamphetamine is transported into Kansas on
9
Kansas Drug Threat Assessment
I-35 and I-70. In addition, US 54, accessible via
I-35, also is used to transport methamphetamine,
primarily to Wichita. According to KBI, in 2000
Mexican criminal groups operating in southwest-
ern states transported 40 pounds of methamphet-
amine weekly to Dodge City, Garden City, and
Liberal. Topeka Police Department officials
report that some Mexican criminal groups associ-
ated with the Mexican Mafia and the Sinaloan
Cowboys transport methamphetamine into
Topeka. Caucasian local independent producers
also transport small quantities of locally produced
methamphetamine throughout the state using
private vehicles.
Distribution
Mexican criminal groups are the primary
wholesale distributors of methamphetamine pro-
duced in Mexico, California, and southwestern
states. To a lesser extent, local independent dealers,
primarily Caucasian, distribute methamphetamine
produced in Mexico, California, and southwestern
states as well as locally produced methamphet-
amine at the wholesale level. In 2001 law enforce-
ment authorities in Coffeyville, Fort Scott, Garden
City, Independence, Leavenworth, and Newton and
in Barton, Dickinson, Jefferson, and Montgomery
Counties reported that Caucasian local independent
dealers distribute wholesale quantities of metham-
phetamine in their jurisdictions.
Several Kansas cities serve as methamphet-
amine distribution centers for the state. Cities
located along I-35—particularly Kansas City and
Wichita—serve as distribution centers for the
methamphetamine that is transported into the state
from Mexico, California, and southwestern states.
Dodge City, Garden City, Liberal, and Topeka also
serve as distribution cities within the state for
methamphetamine produced in Kansas as well as
in Mexico, California, and southwestern states.
Mexican criminal groups, Caucasian local
independent dealers and, to a lesser extent, street
gangs and OMGs distribute methamphetamine at
10
Methamphetamine Seized
En Route To Wichita
Methamphetamine destined for Kansas has
been seized in other states. In December
2001 the Utah Highway Patrol seized nearly
20 pounds of methamphetamine from a van in
Moab. The methamphetamine was wrapped
in cellophane and concealed behind radio
speakers. Two couriers—a Hispanic female
from Wichita and a male illegal Mexican
national—were transporting the drug from Los
Angeles to Wichita.
Source: DEA Drug Task Force, Wichita; KHP.
the retail level. Mexican criminal groups are the
primary retail distributors of methamphetamine
produced in Mexico, California, and southwestern
states. Caucasian local independent dealers distrib-
ute methamphetamine produced in Mexico, Cali-
fornia, and southwestern states as well as locally
produced methamphetamine. Caucasian local
independent dealers in Kansas City distribute
methamphetamine in one-half ounce to ounce
quantities at the retail level. In some metropolitan
areas of Kansas, Hispanic street gangs such as
Sureños, Vatos Locos, Central 13, and Spanish
Disciples distribute methamphetamine produced in
Mexico, California, and southwestern states at the
retail level. Some members of Sureños recruit
Native American women from the Potawatomi
Indian Reservation to distribute the drug. The 10/9
Folks street gang, which is composed of Cauca-
sian, Hispanic, and African American members,
distributes methamphetamine in Kansas City. The
Sons of Silence OMG, with chapters in Chanute,
Fort Hays, Hutchinson, Junction City, Kansas City,
Manhattan, Russell, Salina, and Topeka, distributes
methamphetamine throughout the state. The OMG
also is recruiting members in three other cities in
Kansas. Fine Upstanding Citizens of Kansas, a
Kansas-based OMG, distributes methamphetamine
in southeastern Kansas. Members of El Forastero,

Galloping Goose, and Hells Angels also distribute
methamphetamine throughout the state. Retail
quantities of methamphetamine in Kansas usually
Cocaine
Cocaine, particularly crack, poses a significant
drug threat to Kansas largely because of crack’s
highly addictive nature and association with violent
crime. Crack cocaine is available primarily in
metropolitan areas, and powdered cocaine is
available throughout the state. Mexican criminal
groups transport powdered cocaine into Kansas
from Mexico through California and southwestern
states primarily in private and commercial vehicles.
These groups also dominate wholesale cocaine
distribution throughout the state. Mexican criminal
groups, local independent dealers, and street gangs
distribute powdered cocaine at the retail level.
Retail distributors in Kansas typically convert
Abuse
Law enforcement officials in Kansas report
that cocaine abuse is common in the state.
Respondents to the NDTS 2002 in Liberal, Kansas
City, Topeka, and Wichita and in Miami, Reno,
and Sedgwick Counties reported that rates of
powdered and crack cocaine abuse in their juris-
dictions were high. Law enforcement officials in
Olathe, a few miles southwest of Kansas City, and
in Douglas, Montgomery, and Shawnee Counties
reported that rates of crack abuse were high and
that rates of powdered cocaine abuse were
moderate. The percentage of Kansas residents
who report having abused cocaine in the past
year is statistically comparable to the percent-
age nationwide. According to the 1999–2000
NHSDA, 1.5 percent of Kansas residents
reported having abused cocaine in the year
prior to the survey compared with 1.6 percent
of individuals nationwide.
National Drug Intelligence Center
are distributed from residences, at used car dealer-
ships, in parking lots and bars and restaurants.
powdered cocaine into crack on an as-needed
basis at or near distribution sites. However, some
African American street gangs transport crack
cocaine into Kansas from metropolitan areas in
surrounding states. African American street gangs
and local independent dealers distribute crack
cocaine at the retail level. Retail distribution of
cocaine commonly is facilitated by pagers, pay
phones, and cellular telephones. Retail quantities
are distributed on street corners, at bars, and from
residences. Crack cocaine distributors and abusers
in Kansas commit a wide range of violent crimes,
including assault, carjacking, and drive-by shooting.
Cocaine-related treatment admissions to
publicly funded facilities in Kansas increased
somewhat from 2,189 in 1997 to 2,279 in 2001,
according to TEDS. Cocaine abuse accounted for
more admissions to publicly funded treatment facil-
ities in Kansas in 2001 than any other illicit drug
except marijuana. (See Table 1 on page 3.) From
1997 through 2001 admissions for smoked cocaine
(crack) significantly outnumbered admissions for
cocaine administered via another route. In 2001,
1,866 (82%) admissions were smoked cocaine-
related. Data from the Kansas Department of Social
and Rehabilitation Services indicate that there were
2,307 treatment admissions for cocaine abuse in
SFY2001. (Disparities between federal and state
reporting on admissions to substance abuse treat-
ment programs occur because of differences in data
collection and reporting methodologies.)
11
Kansas Drug Threat Assessment
Availability
Cocaine, particularly crack, is readily available
in urban population centers, medium-size cities,
and a few smaller towns in Kansas. Law enforce-
ment respondents to the NDTS 2002 in Abilene,
Kansas City, Liberal, Salina, Topeka, and Wichita
and in Reno County reported that crack cocaine
and powdered cocaine were readily available in
their jurisdictions. Law enforcement officials in
Junction City and Olathe and in Douglas, Mont-
gomery, and Riley Counties reported that crack
cocaine was readily available and powdered
cocaine was moderately available.
Seizure data reflect the ready availability of
cocaine in Kansas. According to FDSS, federal
law enforcement officials in Kansas seized 27.7
kilograms of cocaine in 1998, 194.4 kilograms in
1999, 139.6 kilograms in 2000, and 305.4 kilograms
in 2001. Law enforcement officials reporting to
Operation Pipeline seized more than 900 kilo-
grams of cocaine on Kansas highways in 1999
and over 160 kilograms in FY2000. KHP seized
over 168 kilograms of powdered cocaine in 2000
and over 77 kilograms in 2001. KHP seized more
than 113 grams of crack cocaine in 2000 and
slightly more than 195 grams in 2001.
In FY2001 the percentage of drug-related
federal sentences that were cocaine-related in
Kansas was comparable to the national percentage.
According to USSC, in FY2001 almost 38 percent
(17.1% powdered and 20.8% crack) of drug-related
federal sentences in Kansas resulted from cocaine
violations compared with almost 43 percent
(22.1% powdered and 20.4% crack) nationwide.
The percentage of crack cocaine-related federal
Violence
Crack cocaine is the drug most often associated
with violent crime in Kansas, particularly in
inner-city neighborhoods and housing projects.
Crack abusers often commit violent crimes to
support their addictions, and crack distributors
12
sentences in Kansas was higher than the national
percentage each year from FY1997 through
FY2001. (See Table 2 on page 5.) The number of
crack cocaine-related sentences increased from
25 in FY1997 to 45 in FY2001, and the number
of powdered cocaine-related sentences increased
from 26 in FY1997 to 37 in FY2001. In addition,
from October 1998 to May 2001, 9 of the 17
OCDETF investigations initiated in Kansas were
cocaine-related.
The price of powdered cocaine varies widely
across the state, according to reporting from fed-
eral and local law enforcement officials. Prices
for powdered cocaine ranged from $15,000 to
$20,000 per kilogram and $600 to $2,800 per
ounce throughout the state. In 2002 in Wichita
powdered cocaine sold for $800 to $1,200 per
ounce, according to DEA. According to local law
enforcement officials, powdered cocaine sells for
$60 per gram in Dodge City and $80 to $90 per
gram in Wichita. According to DEA, purity levels
of powdered cocaine seized in the state ranged
from 70 to 90 percent in 2000.
Crack cocaine prices also vary throughout the
state. The Kansas City Police Department reports
that crack cocaine sells for $800 to $1,000 per
ounce. In 2002 crack cocaine sold for $800 to
$1,200 per ounce in Wichita, according to DEA.
According to local law enforcement officials, crack
cocaine throughout the state sells for $20 to $50
per rock, depending on the size. In Garden City a
rock weighing less than one-quarter gram sells for
$20 to $30, and in Pittsburg a rock weighing one-
tenth to two-tenths gram sells for $20.
commonly commit violent crimes to protect their
drug operations. Street gangs that distribute crack
cocaine commit assault, carjacking, drive-by
shooting, home invasion, robbery, and firearms
violations. Respondents to the NDIC National

Gang Survey 2000 reported that street gangs in
Kansas that distribute cocaine also commit
violent crimes. These gangs include Florencia
13, South Dale Bloods, and Spanish Disciples in
Kansas City; School Yard Crips in Lawrence;
301 Posse, Aryan Brotherhood, Eastside Crips,
Hilltop Crips, Latin Kings, Northside Bloods,
Production
Coca is not cultivated nor is cocaine produced
in Kansas. The drug is produced in South America,
primarily Colombia. However, retail distributors
in Kansas commonly convert powdered cocaine
into crack on an as-needed basis in an attempt to
avoid federal penalties that are harsher for the
Transportation
Mexican criminal groups are the primary
transporters of wholesale quantities of powdered
cocaine. They generally smuggle the drug from
Mexico through California and southwestern
states into Kansas. Mexican criminal groups trans-
port powdered cocaine from Amarillo, Dallas,
El Paso, Los Angeles, and Oklahoma City to
Wichita, which serves as a distribution center for
powdered cocaine destined for Kansas City and
Omaha. Mexican criminal groups also transport
wholesale quantities of powdered cocaine from
Chihuahua, Mexico, through El Paso or McAllen,
Texas, to Kansas City. In addition, powdered
cocaine is transported from Mexico to Liberal via
the Texas cities of Amarillo, Midland, and Odessa.
Cocaine typically is transported into Kansas
via Interstates 35 and 70 and US 54 in private or
commercial vehicles equipped with hidden
compartments; couriers aboard commercial buses
are used to a lesser extent. Transporters also inter-
mingle cocaine with legitimate goods or conceal
the drug in luggage in private vehicles and on
buses. In addition, some Mexican criminal groups
transport kilogram quantities of powdered cocaine
National Drug Intelligence Center
One G Posse, Swan Bloods, Vice Lords, and
Westside Players in Leavenworth; Gangster
Disciples in Overland Park; and Bloods, East
Side Vatos Locos, Folks, Four Corner Hustlers,
Gangster Disciples, Sureños 13, and Vice Lords
in Topeka.
possession of crack than for the possession of
powdered cocaine. Conversion commonly occurs
near distribution areas and often in stash houses
or in the homes of local independent dealers and
street gang members.
to Kansas City in tractor-trailers often concealing
the drug in steel containers in the tires.
Powdered cocaine destined for other states
often is transported through Kansas. Law
enforcement authorities in Kansas have seized
powdered cocaine destined for Colorado, Illinois,
Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North
Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. In
January 2002 Olathe Police Department officers
seized 120 kilograms of powdered cocaine from a
private vehicle on I-35. The cocaine was being
transported from El Paso to Rockford, Illinois.
In May 2001 Thomas County law enforcement
authorities seized 15 kilograms of powdered
cocaine from a Caucasian man in a private vehicle
on I-70 en route from San Diego to Washington,
D.C. In March 2001 Salina law enforcement
authorities seized 200 kilograms of powdered
cocaine from a pickup truck en route from Texas
to Pennsylvania.
Although most of the crack cocaine available
in Kansas is converted locally to avoid the stricter
penalties associated with crack possession, street
gangs and local independent dealers transport
13
Kansas Drug Threat Assessment
some crack cocaine from neighboring states into
Kansas. Rolling 30s Crips members transport crack
cocaine from Denver to Manhattan. According to
Distribution
Mexican criminal groups are the primary
wholesale distributors of powdered cocaine
throughout Kansas. These groups supply whole-
sale quantities of powdered cocaine to retail
distributors including other Mexican criminal
groups, African American street gangs, and local
independent dealers. Law enforcement authorities
in Dodge City, Garden City, Kansas City, Liberal,
Newton, Olathe, and Topeka identified Mexican
criminal groups as wholesale distributors of
powdered cocaine in their jurisdictions.
The major cities in Kansas—Dodge City,
Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita—are located
along highways and serve as distribution centers
for cocaine destined for other areas of Kansas and
neighboring states. Wichita serves as a cocaine dis-
tribution center for Kansas City and Omaha. Kan-
sas City is a cocaine distribution city for smaller
towns in northeastern Kansas and southeastern
Nebraska. Dodge City is a regional cocaine distri-
bution city for the smaller southwestern Kansas
towns of Bucklin, Cimarron, and Kinsley.
Mexican criminal groups, street gangs, and
local independent dealers distribute powdered
cocaine at the retail level. Barton County and
Franklin County law enforcement authorities report
that Mexican criminal groups distribute powdered
cocaine at the retail level in their jurisdictions.
Local independent dealers and street gangs also
distribute powdered cocaine at the retail level in
Kansas. Dodge City law enforcement officials
report that Las Carnales Chingones, 18th Street,
Diablos Viejos, and Lomas (Hispanic street
gangs) and the Asian Boyz and Dead Everlasting
14
the Pittsburg Police Department, African American
local independent dealers transport crack from Cof-
feyville and Kansas City to Pittsburg.
Gangsters (Asian street gangs) distribute powdered
cocaine at the retail level in their area. Master
Criminal Boyz, a street gang composed of His-
panic and Caucasian members, also distributes
powdered cocaine at the retail level in Dodge
City. Vatos Locos, composed of Hispanic and
Caucasian members, and 805 Piru Bloods, an
African American street gang, distribute powdered
cocaine at the retail level in Newton. Moreover,
members of Dead Everlasting Gangsters distribute
retail quantities of powdered cocaine in Wichita.
Retail-level cocaine transactions commonly are
prearranged or made using pagers, pay phones,
and cellular telephones, and they typically take
place on street corners, at bars, or in residences.
Kansas-based African American street gangs
and African American local independent dealers
are the primary retail distributors of crack cocaine
in the state, particularly in Dodge City, Kansas
City, Topeka, and Wichita. Street gangs that dis-
tribute crack at the retail level in Kansas include
Playing For Keeps (composed of African Ameri-
cans and Caucasians) and Diablos Viejos in
Dodge City and Inglewood Family Gangster
Bloods in Kansas City. In Topeka members of
Gangster Disciples, Sureños 13, and Vice Lords
distribute crack; in Wichita members of Dead
Everlasting Gangsters, Junior Boys, and Neigh-
borhood Crips are crack distributors. Many of
these street gangs acquire powdered cocaine to
convert to crack from Mexican criminal groups
who sell the gangs higher purity cocaine than
they sell to cocaine abusers.

Marijuana
Marijuana is the most widely available and
frequently abused illicit drug in Kansas. Mari-
juana abuse is associated with more drug-related
admissions to publicly funded treatment facilities
than any other illicit drug. Most of the marijuana
available in the state is produced in Mexico,
although some cannabis is cultivated locally.
Mexican criminal groups transport marijuana into
and through Kansas in private and commercial
Abuse
Law enforcement officials report that there
are high levels of marijuana abuse throughout
Kansas. According to responses to the NDTS
2002, of the 39 respondents who reported mari-
juana abuse in their jurisdictions, 32 indicated
that abuse was high and 7 indicated that abuse
was moderate. The percentage of Kansas residents
who report having abused marijuana in the past
month is lower than the percentage nationwide.
According to the 1999–2000 NHSDA, 3.7 percent
of Kansas residents reported having abused mari-
juana in the year prior to the survey compared
with 4.8 percent of individuals nationwide.
Availability
Marijuana, particularly commercial-grade
marijuana produced in Mexico, is the most
widely available illicit drug in Kansas. Marijuana
produced in Kansas also is available. Of the 39
Kansas respondents to the NDTS 2002 who
reported marijuana availability, 35 indicated that
availability was high and 4 indicated that avail-
ability was moderate.
Seizure data reflect the ready availability of
marijuana in Kansas. According to FDSS data,
federal law enforcement officials in Kansas seized
1,741.3 kilograms in 1998, 3,484.8 kilograms in
National Drug Intelligence Center
vehicles. A significant portion of the Mexico-
produced marijuana seized in Kansas is destined
for other states. Mexican criminal groups and, to
a lesser extent, Caucasian local independent
dealers are the primary wholesale marijuana
distributors in Kansas. Mexican criminal
groups, local independent dealers, street gangs,
and OMGs also distribute marijuana at the
retail level.
Marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit
drug in Kansas. Marijuana abuse is associated
with more admissions to publicly funded treatment
facilities in Kansas than any other illicit drug,
and the number of marijuana-related treatment
admissions has increased. According to TEDS,
marijuana-related treatment admissions increased
from 2,569 in 1997 to 3,477 in 2001. (See Table 1
on page 3.) The Kansas Department of Social and
Rehabilitation Services reports that there were
3,331 marijuana-related treatment admissions in
SFY2001. (Disparities between federal and state
reporting on admissions to substance abuse
treatment programs occur because of differences
in data collection and reporting methodologies.)
Combination Drug Use
Marijuana sometimes is combined with other
drugs such as methamphetamine prior to
distribution. According to Montgomery
County law enforcement authorities, in 2001
a Caucasian local independent dealer sold
marijuana laced with methamphetamine to
high school students.
Source: Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
1999, 5,827.6 kilograms in 2000, and 2,539.4
kilograms in 2001. Law enforcement authorities
15
Kansas Drug Threat Assessment
that reported to Operation Pipeline seized more
than 4,900 kilograms of marijuana in 1999 and
over 10,000 kilograms in 2000. KHP seized 7,566
kilograms of marijuana in 2000 and 2,884 kilo-
grams in 2001. In 2001 the Kansas City Police
Department seized 488 kilograms of marijuana.
Further, from October 1998 to May 2001, 10 of
the 17 OCDETF investigations initiated in Kan-
sas were marijuana-related.
In FY2001 the percentage of drug-related
federal sentences that were marijuana-related in
Kansas was lower than the national percentage.
According to USSC, in FY2001, 21 percent of
drug-related federal sentences in Kansas resulted
from marijuana-related offenses compared with
Violence
Violence has been associated with marijuana
production and distribution in Kansas but to a
limited extent. Domestic cannabis cultivators
sometimes are armed and use booby traps to pro-
tect their cultivation sites from law enforcement
authorities. Firearms occasionally are seized from
cannabis growing sites in Kansas. DEA Domestic
Cannabis Eradication/Suppression Program
(DCE/SP) statistics indicate that law enforcement
officials in Kansas seized 2 firearms in 1998, 10
in 1999, and 42 in 2000 during cannabis eradica-
tion operations. Kansas respondents to the NDIC
National Gang Survey 2000 reported that many
street gangs that distribute marijuana commit
violent crimes such as assault, home invasion,
and carjacking. These gangs include Florencia
13, South Dale Bloods, and Spanish Disciples in
Kansas City; Schoolyard Crips and Somos Pocos
Production
Most of the marijuana available in Kansas is
produced in Mexico; however, some cannabis also
is cultivated throughout the state, primarily by
local independent Caucasian growers. Law
enforcement officials statewide report that outdoor
16
33 percent nationally. (See Table 2 on page 5.)
The number of federal sentences for marijuana
violations in Kansas increased from 25 in
FY1997 to 46 in FY2001.
Marijuana prices throughout Kansas vary
depending on type and location. Marijuana sells
for $550 per pound in Kansas City, $750 per
pound in Overland Park, $800 per pound in Sedg-
wick County, and $1,000 per pound in Shawnee
County. Retail quantities of marijuana sell for $40
to $175 per ounce depending on the area. Accord-
ing to the DEA St. Louis Division, Mexico-pro-
duced marijuana sold for $650 to $1,200 per
pound in 2001, and locally produced marijuana
sold for $750 to $2,000 per pound.
Pero Locos in Lawrence; 301 Posse, Aryan
Brotherhood, Eastside Crips, Hilltop Crips, Latin
Kings, Northside Bloods, One G Posse, Swan
Bloods, Vice Lords, and Westside Players in
Leavenworth; East Side Vatos Locos and Gang-
ster Disciples in Overland Park; and Bloods,
Crips, Eastside Vatos Locos, Four Corner Hus-
tlers, Folks, and Sureños 13 in Topeka.
Man Shoots Friend for
Smoking His Marijuana
In 2001 in Wichita a Caucasian man fatally
shot a friend for smoking his marijuana. After
the shooting the man tossed his friend’s body
into a trash bin.
Source: Wichita Police Department.
cannabis cultivation is more common than indoor
cultivation. Cannabis is cultivated both outdoors
and indoors in Barton County and in Coffeyville,
Garden City, Kansas City, Topeka, and Wichita.
 National Drug Intelligence Center

In Kansas outdoor cannabis grow sites typically
yield more cannabis than indoor sites. According
to DCE/SP data, law enforcement officers in
Kansas seized 48 outdoor plots containing 14,294
cannabis plants in 1999 and 39 outdoor plots
containing 2,795 plants in 2000. DCE/SP
reported that in 1999 indoor grow seizures at 14
sites yielded 473 plants and in 2000, 32 indoor
grow operations yielded 543 plants.
Outdoor cannabis growers often conceal can-
nabis plants to avoid detection by law enforcement
authorities. In Lyon County cultivators place small
groups of cannabis plants around utility poles. In
Jefferson County camouflage netting is used to
conceal cannabis in remote wooded locations.

Transportation

Mexican criminal groups are the primary

transporters of wholesale quantities of Mexico-
produced marijuana into Kansas. According to
law enforcement officials in Liberal, Mexican
criminal groups transport marijuana into their
jurisdiction from Mexico through Amarillo,
Midland, and Odessa, Texas. Law enforcement
officials in Thomas County report that Mexican
criminal groups and local independent dealers
transport marijuana to their area, particularly to
Colby, from Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego,
San Francisco, and Tucson. Investigations in Colby
also have revealed that some marijuana from
Mexico destined for Kansas is routed from El Paso
to Arizona then north to Denver—a distribution
center for marijuana destined for Colby.
Marijuana also is transported by Mexican crimi-
nal groups into Montgomery County from El
Paso, Tulsa, and Wichita.
Marijuana typically is transported into Kansas
in private and commercial vehicles and by couri-
ers on buses following the same routes used to
transport methamphetamine and cocaine. In
December 2001 Pratt law enforcement authorities
Marijuana Seized in Paola
In October 2001 Miami County law enforce-
ment authorities in Paola seized 584 pounds
of marijuana from a group of Mexican nation-
als. The marijuana was transported via tractor-
trailer through Texas and Oklahoma to Liberal
and then on US 54 to Wichita. The Mexican
nationals then transported the marijuana via
I-35 to a farm field in Paola to unload the ship-
ment. A farmer contacted local authorities to
report the suspicious activity. Further investi-
gation revealed that these Mexican nationals
were members of, or affiliated with, a mari-
juana distribution group composed of Spanish-
speaking Mennonites based in Chihuahua,
Mexico, which had connections to a Mexican
criminal group in Kansas City.
Source: Miami County Sheriff’s Office.
seized 65 pounds of marijuana from a private
vehicle on US 54 traveling from Deming, New
Mexico, to Wichita. Two similar seizures also
occurred during that month.

Transporters Use Commercial Trucking Companies to Ship Marijuana

From April 2000 through January 2002, Jayhawk Task Force law enforcement authorities and
numerous local police departments seized approximately 2,200 pounds of marijuana in a multijuris-
dictional investigation. Mexican criminals used commercial trucking companies based in El Paso to
transport marijuana concealed in pallets of dry food goods or machinery parts to Kansas and other
states. For example, in January 2002 law enforcement authorities seized approximately 560 pounds
of bricked marijuana from a fiberglass pallet container shipped from an El Paso business to
Edwardsville.
Source: Jayhawk Task Force.

17
Kansas Drug Threat Assessment
Transporters use a variety of means to conceal
marijuana during transportation. In December
2000 the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office seized
40 pounds of marijuana concealed in gift-wrapped
packages in a vehicle. In September 2000 Lyon
County law enforcement authorities seized more
than 1,300 pounds of marijuana from a motor
home. The marijuana was hidden in a false floor
and in the walls of the motor home.
Kansas is a transit state for Mexico-produced
marijuana destined for drug markets throughout
the United States. More than 80 percent of the
10,000 kilograms of marijuana seized on Kansas
highways as part of Operation Pipeline in 2000
was destined for other areas, including Florida,
Distribution
Mexican criminal groups and, to a lesser extent,
Caucasian local independent dealers are the pri-
mary wholesale distributors of Mexico-produced
marijuana in Kansas. Caucasian local independent
dealers also are the primary wholesale distributors
of marijuana produced in Kansas. Wholesale mari-
juana distributors supply marijuana to other Mexi-
can criminal groups, local independent dealers,
street gangs, and OMGs for retail distribution.
Mexican criminal groups, local independent
dealers, street gangs, and OMGs are the principal
retail distributors of locally produced and Mexico-
produced marijuana in Kansas. Mexican criminal
groups in Barton County and in Dodge City and
Garden City, and Caucasian local independent
dealers in Franklin County and in Coffeyville,
Independence, Lenexa, and Overland Park distrib-
ute marijuana at the retail level. Street gangs also
Other Dangerous Drugs
Other dangerous drugs (ODDs) pose a threat
to Kansas. ODDs include the stimulant MDMA;
the depressant GHB and its analogs; the hallucino-
gens LSD, PCP, psilocybin, and ketamine; and
diverted pharmaceuticals including opioids (nar-
cotic analgesics) such as codeine, Darvocet, Dilau-
did, hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin), methadone,
18
Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio,
Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. In December
2001 Lenexa law enforcement officers seized
295 pounds of bricked marijuana from a pickup
truck on I-35. The marijuana was being trans-
ported from Bravo, Mexico, to Muscatine, Iowa.
Also in December 2001 Pratt law enforcement
officials seized 285 pounds of marijuana from a
recreational vehicle en route to Aurora, Illinois, on
US 54. In addition, Operation Jetway reporting
indicates that in 2000, law enforcement officials in
Kansas City seized over 4 kilograms of marijuana
from a passenger on board a bus traveling from
Laredo, Texas, to Minneapolis, Minnesota.
are involved in retail-level marijuana distribution
in Kansas. In Dodge City some Asian street gangs
such as Asian Boyz and Dead Everlasting Gang-
sters distribute marijuana at the retail level. His-
panic street gangs including Diablos Viejos and
Master Criminal Boyz in Dodge City and Vatos
Locos in Wichita distribute marijuana at the retail
level; African American street gangs including
Insane Crips, Junior Boys, and Neighborhood
Crips distribute retail quantities of marijuana in
Wichita. In addition, OMGs such as Hells Angels
distribute marijuana at the retail level throughout
Kansas. Retail quantities of marijuana typically
are packaged in plastic bags or in black film can-
isters and are distributed from residences, parking
lots, used car dealerships, or businesses such as
bars and restaurants.
oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet, Percodan), and
sedative hypnotics (benzodiazepines) such as
Valium and Xanax. ODDs are becoming increas-
ingly available in some areas of the state, espe-
cially in cities with colleges or universities. ODDs
are sold primarily by Caucasian local independent
dealers and abused by young adults.

MDMA
MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphet-
amine), also known as Adam, ecstasy, XTC, E,
and X, is a stimulant and low-level hallucinogen.
MDMA is generally taken orally in tablet or cap-
sule form. MDMA abuse is a concern among law
enforcement and public health agencies in the state
because the drug can cause psychological problems
similar to those associated with methamphetamine
and cocaine abuse including confusion, depression,
sleeplessness, anxiety, and paranoia. Physical
effects can include muscle tension, involuntary
teeth clenching, blurred vision, and increased
heart rate and blood pressure. MDMA abuse can
also cause a marked increase in body temperature
leading to muscle breakdown, kidney failure,
cardiovascular system failure, stroke, seizure, or
heart attack as reported in some fatal cases at
raves. Researchers suggest that MDMA abuse
may result in long-term and sometimes permanent
damage to parts of the brain that are critical to
thought and memory.
The availability and abuse of MDMA are
increasing in Kansas, particularly among teenagers
and young adults. Law enforcement respondents to
the NDTS 2002 in Johnson County reported that
MDMA availability was high in their jurisdiction.
Law enforcement authorities in Abilene and in
Dickinson, Finney, and Montgomery Counties
indicated that availability and abuse of MDMA in
their jurisdictions was moderate.
Most MDMA available in Kansas is produced
outside the United States, typically in the Nether-
lands and Belgium. It is transported by couriers
aboard commercial aircraft through distribution
centers such as Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami,
New York City, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C.,
and via package delivery services. MDMA gen-
erally is transported in private vehicles from dis-
tribution centers to the Kansas City area in
quantities of 6,000 to 10,000 tablets.
Caucasian local independent dealers are the
primary wholesale distributors of MDMA in
National Drug Intelligence Center
Raves
Throughout the 1990s high energy, all-night
dances known as raves, which feature hard-
pounding techno-music and flashing laser
lights, increased in popularity among teens
and young adults. Raves occur in most metro-
politan areas of the country. They can be
either permanent dance clubs or temporary
“weekend event” sites set up in abandoned
warehouses, open fields, empty buildings, or
civic centers. Club drugs are a group of syn-
thetic drugs often sold at raves and dance
clubs. MDMA is one of the most popular club
drugs. Rave managers often sell water, pacifi-
ers, and glow sticks at rave parties. “Ravers”
require water to offset dehydration caused by
MDMA, use pacifiers to prevent the grinding of
teeth (a common side effect of MDMA use),
and wave glow sticks in front of their eyes
because MDMA stimulates light perception.
MDMA Laboratory Seized
In August 2001 an MDMA laboratory was
seized in Leawood. The Caucasian individual
who operated the laboratory allegedly had been
producing MDMA for 1 year prior to the seizure.
Precursor chemicals and 2 ounces of MDMA
were seized. The precursor chemicals could
have yielded more than 260,000 MDMA tablets.
Source: DEA.
Kansas. Asian street gangs also distribute
wholesale quantities of MDMA but to a lesser
extent. In 2001 Dead Everlasting Gangsters and
Krazy Boyz in Kansas City obtained wholesale
quantities of 100 to 2,000 MDMA tablets via pack-
age delivery services from Vietnamese distributors
in Irvine, California, and Sioux City, Iowa. The
tablets varied in color and had logos printed on
them. The MDMA tablets were distributed in
Kansas City at Vietnamese nail salons owned by
members of these street gangs.
19
Kansas Drug Threat Assessment
Retail-level MDMA distributors typically are
Caucasian local independent dealers, college age
students, and street gangs. Asian local indepen-
dent dealers also distribute MDMA at the retail
level. Law enforcement authorities in Emporia,
Junction City, and Leavenworth, and in Johnson
County reported that Caucasian local independent
dealers distribute MDMA at the retail level in
their jurisdictions. Asian Boyz, Buc Lao Killers,
Krazy Boyz, and Viet Boyz distribute MDMA at
the retail level in Wichita. MDMA is distributed
at nightclubs, raves, and on university campuses
throughout Kansas. According to local law
enforcement officials, in 2001 MDMA tablets in
GHB and Analogs
GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) and its analogs
pose an emerging threat to Kansas. GHB, also
known as liquid ecstasy, grievous bodily harm,
and Georgia home boy, is an illicit drug known
for its euphoric, sedative, and anabolic effects.
GHB is colorless, tasteless, and odorless, and its
effects include drowsiness, sedation, loss of con-
sciousness, and anterograde amnesia; it often is
administered to intended victims of sexual
assault. GHB is difficult to detect in abusers or
victims of sexual assault because the drug is
quickly metabolized in the body.
GHB analogs, drugs that possess chemical
structures similar to GHB, also are abused in Kan-
sas. The most commonly encountered GHB ana-
logs in Kansas are GBL (gamma-butyrolactone)
and BD (1,4-butanediol). GBL is a solvent com-
monly used as a paint stripper. BD is a chemical
used in the production of plastics and adhesives.
GBL and BD convert to GHB upon ingestion.
GBL is widely available as a powder and liquid at
gyms, fitness centers, and some disreputable health
food stores. BD can be produced in clear liquid,
white powder, and pill and capsule forms.
The availability and abuse of GHB in Kansas is
increasing. According to the NDTS 2002, law
enforcement officials in Great Bend, Hays,
Topeka, and Wichita and in McPherson County
20
the state generally sold for $15 to $30 each. In
Kansas City 100 tablets sold for $1,500 to $1,700.
Law enforcement authorities in Kansas
sometimes seize substances that are sold as
MDMA but contain other substances. In
Johnson County law enforcement officials
reported that a compound of ketamine and meth-
amphetamine was sold as MDMA. Also in
Johnson County dextromethorphan (DXM, a
cough suppressant) was identified as the main
ingredient in tablets marketed as MDMA. In
another incident, tablets sold as MDMA were
actually 4-bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenethyl-
amine, also known as Nexus or 2C-B.
indicated that GHB availability and abuse was
moderate. In Barton County and Great Bend, law
enforcement officials reported an increase in GHB
overdoses and arrests for driving under the influ-
ence of the drug. Most of the GHB available in
Kansas is produced outside the state; however,
some GHB production does occur in Kansas. In
June 2000 Coffeyville Police Department
authorities seized a GHB laboratory at the resi-
dence of a known methamphetamine producer.
Law enforcement authorities seized scales, beakers,
filters, jars, and nearly 2 pounds of GHB from the
laboratory site. GHB and its analogs are available
in Kansas primarily at colleges and universities,
social venues such as bars, nightclubs, raves, and
strip clubs. Young adults, usually Causasian, are
the principal producers, distributors, and abusers of
the drug. Recipes and do-it-yourself kits for GHB
production are available on several Internet sites.

Hallucinogens
LSD. The distribution and abuse of LSD
(lysergic acid diethylamide) pose a low threat to
Kansas. LSD, also known as acid, boomers, and
yellow sunshine, is a hallucinogen that induces
abnormalities in sensory perceptions. The
effects of LSD are unpredictable depending on
the amount ingested, the environment in which it
is abused, and the abuser’s personality, mood,
and expectations. Abusers may feel the effects
for up to 12 hours. Physical effects include
dilated pupils, elevated body temperature,
increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweat-
ing, loss of appetite, nausea, numbness, weak-
ness, insomnia, dry mouth, and tremors. Two
long-term disorders associated with LSD are
persistent psychosis and hallucinogen persisting
perception disorder (flashbacks). LSD typically
is ingested orally.
Most LSD available in Kansas is produced in
California and transported to Kansas primarily
via package delivery services; however, the drug
has been produced in Kansas. Caucasian local
independent dealers are the primary retail distrib-
utors of the drug. LSD is distributed primarily at
raves, bars, and nightclubs in large cities and
college towns in Kansas. It is sold in powder and
liquid forms, in tablets or capsules, on pieces of
blotter paper that absorb the drug, and on small
candies. According to the Lenexa Police Depart-
ment, distributors in its area reportedly lace candy
with LSD, and some dealers use an eyedropper to
place LSD on the purchaser’s tongue to ensure
that the individual is not an undercover law
enforcement officer. This method of administration
is common in other areas of the country as well.
In Kansas in 2001 LSD sold for $5 to $8 per dose,
according to DEA.
PCP. PCP (phencyclidine) was developed as
an intravenous anesthetic, but use of the drug in
humans was discontinued in 1965 because
patients who were administered the drug became
agitated, delusional, and irrational. PCP, also
known as angel dust, ozone, wack, and rocket
National Drug Intelligence Center
LSD Laboratory Seized
In December 2000 an LSD laboratory was
seized in an abandoned missile silo in Wamego.
Officials from the DEA Kansas City District
Office seized approximately 140,000,000 dos-
age units of the drug from the laboratory site.
DEA officials estimate that the laboratory pro-
duced 1 kilogram of LSD per month.
Source: DEA St. Louis Division.
fuel, is illegally produced in laboratories in the
United States. It is a white crystalline powder that
is soluble in water and has a bitter taste. The drug
can be mixed with dyes and is available as a tablet,
capsule, liquid, or colored powder. PCP may be
snorted, smoked, injected, or swallowed. For
smoking purposes, PCP may be applied to mint,
parsley, oregano, or marijuana. When combined
with marijuana, the mixture is called a killer joint
or crystal supergrass.
The threat posed by the distribution and abuse
of the hallucinogen PCP in Kansas is limited to
the Kansas City area. African American gang
members in California produce most of the PCP
available in the Kansas City area. The drug is
transported to Kansas City typically by package
delivery services and in private vehicles. In early
2001 a 2-liter bottle of PCP was seized after being
sent via a package delivery service to an individual
in Olathe. The bottle was covered with duct tape
and peanut butter to mask the odor. The shipment
originated in Los Angeles and was concealed
inside a microwave oven. African American gang
members in Kansas City typically distribute
PCP—known on the street as water—to other
gang members and their associates. PCP is sold
in liquid form for $250 to $300 per fluid ounce
and typically is stored in vanilla extract bottles.
Dealers also sell individual cigarettes dipped in
PCP, known as sticks, for $10 each.
Psilocybin. The hallucinogen psilocybin
presents a low threat to Kansas. Psilocybin
21
Kansas Drug Threat Assessment
mushrooms are consumed after being dried and
crushed to a powder. Taken in nontoxic doses,
psilocybin produces changes in perception,
thought, and mood. Effects typically last for
about 6 hours. Psilocybin mushrooms are avail-
able in Kansas primarily in areas with colleges or
universities. Typical abusers are young Caucasian
adults. Distribution of psilocybin commonly
occurs at music concerts. In 2000 KHP seized
more than 20 grams of psilocybin mushrooms.
Ketamine. Also called K, special K, vitamin
K, and cat valium, ketamine is an injectable
anesthetic that is approved for both human and
animal use. Ketamine is sold commercially and is
produced in liquid, powder, or pill form. In liquid
form, it can be injected either intramuscularly or
Diverted Pharmaceuticals
Diverted pharmaceuticals pose a significant
and increasing threat to Kansas. The most com-
monly diverted pharmaceuticals in Kansas are
opioids (narcotic analgesics) such as codeine,
Darvocet, Dilaudid, hydrocodone (Lortab,
Vicodin), methadone, oxycodone (OxyContin,
Percocet, Percodan), and sedative hypnotics (ben-
zodiazepines) such as Valium and Xanax. Nar-
cotic analgesics are prescribed to relieve moderate
to severe pain. Most sedative hypnotics are pre-
scribed to relieve anxiety; however, some are used
as anticonvulsants to treat muscle spasms.
Pharmaceuticals are diverted in a variety of
ways in Kansas. The primary sources of diverted
pharmaceuticals are pharmacies and medical prac-
titioners. Unscrupulous medical professionals
either steal the drugs or sell fraudulent prescriptions.
In a process known as doctor shopping, abusers
Heroin
Heroin poses a low threat to Kansas. Mexican
black tar heroin and brown powdered heroin are
available on a limited basis in metropolitan areas
of the state such as Kansas City and Wichita.
Mexican criminal groups are the primary
22
intravenously. In powder form, it is snorted or is
smoked with marijuana or tobacco products.
The availability of ketamine is low in Kansas,
although significant seizures of the drug have
occurred in the state. According to KHP, nearly
24,000 vials of ketamine hydrochloride were
seized near Russell in July 2001. The ketamine,
packaged in 10-milliliter bottles, was produced
in Mexico and intended for distribution in the east-
ern United States. According to DEA, this was the
largest seizure of ketamine in the United States. In
November 2001 law enforcement authorities
seized nearly 3 liters of ketamine on a passenger
train in Dodge City. The ketamine was concealed
in a dietary supplement bottle and was destined
for Chicago.
visit several doctors to obtain multiple prescriptions.
Individuals also call pharmacies with fraudulent
prescription refills or alter prescriptions. Another
common method is to place an after-hours call to a
clinic that has numerous physicians on staff. The
caller will speak to the on-call physician and claim
to have a prescription from another staff doctor.
The on-call physician may fail to confirm the
information and will unknowingly prescribe the
drug to an abuser. Pharmaceuticals also occasion-
ally are stolen from pharmacies. In January 2002
two robberies occurred at Wichita pharmacies. On
each occasion an armed Caucasian male robbed
the pharmacy. In the first case 3 bottles of Dilau-
did, 12 bottles of Lortab, and 5 bottles of OxyCon-
tin were stolen. In the other incident, two bottles
of Diazepam, three bottles of Lorazepam, and two
bottles of Tylenol with codeine were stolen.
transporters of heroin to drug markets in Kansas.
Mexican criminal groups, local independent
dealers, and street gangs distribute heroin at the
retail level.

Abuse
Rates of heroin abuse are low throughout
Kansas. According to the NDTS 2002, of the 29
respondents who reported heroin abuse in their
jurisdictions, 26 indicated that abuse was low and
3 indicated that abuse was moderate.
Already at low levels, heroin-related treatment
admissions to publicly funded facilities in Kansas
decreased slightly from 1997 through 2001.
According to TEDS, there were 79 heroin-related
treatment admissions in 1997 and 75 in 2001.
(See Table 1 on page 3.) In 2001 heroin was
Availability
Mexican black tar heroin and brown powdered
heroin are available on a limited basis in Kansas,
primarily in metropolitan areas. Mexican black tar
heroin and brown powdered heroin are available in
Kansas City and Wichita. According to the DEA
Kansas City District Office, Mexican brown pow-
dered heroin is the predominant type available in
the Kansas City metropolitan area. Law enforce-
ment officials in nearby Overland Park indicated
that Mexican black tar heroin is moderately avail-
able in their jurisdiction.
The amount of heroin seized in Kansas has
fluctuated at low levels over the past several
years. Federal law enforcement officials seized
1.1 kilograms of heroin in Kansas in 1998; none
in 1999; 0.8 kilogram in 2000; and 1.7 kilograms
in 2001, according to FDSS data. KHP seized 0.9
kilogram of heroin in 2000 and 1.2 kilograms in
2001. The Kansas City Police Department seized
approximately 100 grams of heroin in 2001.
Violence
There are few reported occurrences of violence
associated with heroin distribution or abuse in
Kansas. Heroin abusers generally are nonviolent;
National Drug Intelligence Center
associated with fewer admissions to publicly
funded treatment facilities than any other illicit
drug. Caucasians accounted for 76 percent of
heroin-related treatment admissions in 2001. The
Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation
Services reports that there were 66 heroin-related
treatment admissions in SFY2001. (Disparities
between federal and state reporting on admissions
to substance abuse treatment programs occur
because of differences in data collection and
reporting methodologies.)
In FY2001 the percentage of drug-related
federal sentences that were heroin-related in
Kansas was lower than the national percentage.
According to USSC, in FY2001, 5 percent of
federal sentences in Kansas resulted from heroin
violations compared with 7 percent nationally.
(See Table 2 on page 5.) The number of heroin-
related federal sentences in Kansas increased
from 2 in FY1997 to 10 in FY2001. However,
from October 1998 to May 2001, only 1 of 17
OCDETF investigations initiated in Kansas was
heroin-related.
Heroin prices in Kansas vary depending on
the area. According to local law enforcement
officials, heroin sells for $300 per gram in Kansas
City and $100 per gram in Olathe and Topeka. In
2002 the DEA Wichita Resident Office reported
that heroin sold for $100 per gram.
however, some commit property crimes in order
to support their drug use.
23
Kansas Drug Threat Assessment
Production
Opium is not cultivated nor is heroin pro-
duced in Kansas. Heroin is produced in four
source regions: South America, Southeast Asia,
Transportation
Mexican criminal groups are the primary
transporters of heroin into Kansas, and they gen-
erally use private vehicles and package delivery
services. Lenexa Police Department authorities
seized nearly 1 kilogram of heroin from a car
Distribution
Wholesale quantities of heroin generally are
not available in Kansas; most heroin distribution
occurs at the retail level. Mexican criminal groups,
local independent dealers, and street gangs dis-
tribute heroin at the retail level. According to the
Wichita Police Department, African American
local independent dealers distribute heroin at the
Outlook
Methamphetamine will remain a significant
drug threat to Kansas. The availability of metham-
phetamine produced in Mexico, California, and
southwestern states will increase as Mexican crimi-
nal groups expand wholesale distribution operations
in Kansas. The availability of locally produced
methamphetamine likely will increase due to the
ease of obtaining anhydrous ammonia and the
demand for higher purity methamphetamine.
As a consequence, methamphetamine-related envi-
ronmental damage will persist throughout the state.
Crack cocaine will continue to be abused at
higher levels than powdered cocaine. Crack
cocaine represents the greatest threat to inner-city
neighborhoods, and violent crime associated
with the distribution and abuse of crack will con-
tinue to be a threat to Kansas. Street gangs and
24
Southwest Asia, and Mexico. The heroin available
in Kansas is produced in Mexico.
destined for Kansas City in May 2001. The heroin
was concealed in eight tubular, cellophane-
wrapped packages hidden in the bumper. Heroin
seizures of this size are infrequent in Kansas.
retail level in its jurisdiction. In Dodge City,
Playing For Keeps, a gang with African American
and Caucasian members, distributes retail quantities
of Mexican black tar heroin. Heroin is sold at
residences and on street corners and typically is
packaged in paper or aluminum foil.
African American local independent dealers in
metropolitan areas will continue to dominate the
retail distribution of crack cocaine. Powdered
cocaine will remain available in sufficient quanti-
ties to meet user demand. However, demand for
powdered cocaine may decline in some areas of
the state as methamphetamine abuse increases.
Marijuana will continue to be the most com-
monly abused illicit drug in Kansas. Mexico-
produced marijuana will continue to be the most
prevalent type available, but locally produced mar-
ijuana will become increasingly available. Mexi-
can criminal groups will remain the primary
transporters of Mexico-produced marijuana to
Kansas. Caucasian local independent dealers
will continue to cultivate cannabis in the state as
well as distribute the marijuana they produce.
 National Drug Intelligence Center

ODDs, particularly MDMA, will continue to

increase in popularity in Kansas, especially
among teenagers and young adults. The demand
for MDMA, as well as LSD and GHB, may
expand as the number of rave parties increases
throughout the state. The demand for diverted
pharmaceuticals such as hydrocodone also will
likely increase.
Heroin abuse will remain stable at low levels
compared with other illicit drugs in Kansas.
Heroin availability and abuse will likely remain
limited to metropolitan areas such as Kansas City
and Wichita.

25
Kansas Drug Threat Assessment

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26
 National Drug Intelligence Center

Sources
State

Abilene Police Department

Barton County Sheriff’s Office

Chanute Police Department

Cloud County Sheriff’s Office

Coffeyville Police Department

Colby Police Department

Columbus Police Department

Crawford County Sheriff’s Office

Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office

Drug Enforcement Unit
Dodge City Police Department

Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

Emporia Police Department

Finney County Sheriff’s Office

Ford County Sheriff’s Office

Franklin County Sheriff’s Office

Garden City Police Department

Great Bend Police Department

Greeley County Sheriff’s Office

Hays Police Department

Independence Police Department

Jayhawk Task Force

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office

Johnson County Sheriff’s Office

27
Kansas Drug Threat Assessment

Junction City Police Department

Kansas City Metro Meth Task Force

Kansas City Police Department

Kearny County Sheriff’s Office

Kingman Police Department

Labette County Sheriff’s Office

Lawrence Journal-World

Lawrence Police Department

Leavenworth Police Department

Lenexa Police Department

Liberal Police Department

Lyon County Police Department

McPherson County Sheriff’s Office

Merriam Police Department

Miami County Sheriff’s Office

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office

Newton Police Department

Olathe Police Department

Ottawa Police Department

Overland Park Police Department

Paola Police Department

Pittsburg Police Department

Potawatomi Tribal Police

Pratt County Sheriff’s Office

Reno County Sheriff’s Office

Rice County Sheriff’s Office

28
 National Drug Intelligence Center

Riley County Police Department

Salina Police Department

I-135/I-70 Drug Task Force
Saline County Sheriff’s Office

Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office

Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office

Shawnee Police Department

State of Kansas
Bureau of Investigation
Great Bend Regional Task Force
Southeast Kansas Drug Enforcement Task Force
Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services
Highway Patrol
Topeka Police Department

The Wichita Eagle

Wichita Police Department

Wilson County Sheriff’s Office

National

Executive Office of the President

Office of National Drug Control Policy
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area
Midwest

U.S. Department of Commerce

U.S. Census Bureau
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Office of Applied Studies
National Household Survey on Drug Abuse
Treatment Episode Data Set

29
Kansas Drug Threat Assessment

U.S. Department of Justice

Drug Enforcement Administration
Domestic Cannabis Eradication/Suppression Program
Drug Task Force, Wichita
El Paso Intelligence Center
Operation Jetway
Operation Pipeline
Federal-wide Drug Seizure System
St. Louis Division
Garden City Post of Duty
Kansas City District Office
Wichita Resident Office
Federal Bureau of Investigation
U.S. Attorney’s Office
Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force

U.S. Sentencing Commission

Other

Associated Press

Columbia University
The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse
University of Mississippi
Marijuana Potency Monitoring Project
Utah Highway Patrol

30
 March 2003

Kansas
Drug Threat Assessment

National Drug Intelligence Center

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